Reasons for Law Reform (Revision)

Which of the following is not a characteristic of an effective law?

• Enforceable

• Emphasises possible punishment

• Clear and understood

• Stable

Which of the following best describes social cohesion?

• Ensuring the economic landscape is stable to enable society to thrive and cooperate

• The practice of ensuring laws are consistent with the values of a society

• The willingness of members of a society to cooperate with each other in order to survive and prosper

Which of the following is not a reason for law reform

• Changing technology

• Need to reflect social values and beliefs

• Community protection

• Safeguarding members of parliament and their re-election

Which of the following is not an example of law reform which is based on changes in community beliefs

• Parole

• LGBTQI+ rights

• Medicinal cannabis

• Animal welfare

A call for changes to laws regarding casual employment would be classified as law reform due to...

• Changes in economic, political and social conditions

• Technological advancements

• Need for greater safety

• Changes in beliefs

Changes in (a)   happen at a rapid pace and can transform what we thought was possible. This can lead to calls for law reform which could not be foreseen.

What does ultra vires mean?

• Laws are made with future consideration in mind

• Parliament acted outside of its power

• It is a precedent determined in a higher court

• It is the judges rationale for a decision

What does ratio decidendi mean?

• The basic principle underlying the doctrine of precedent

• The process of judges giving meaning to statutes

• A principle established in a legal case

• The reasoning behind a judges decision on precedent

What does stare decisis mean?

• The basic principle underlying the doctrine of precedent

• The common law principle by which the reasons for the decisions of a higher court are bound

• The legal reasoning behind a judges decisions

• Parliament acted outside of its constitutional powers

True or false? Obiter dictum is part of a judges reasoning and decision. It is a binding conclusion that should be followed when looking at precedent.

• True

• False